Stress
Depression
Hormones
Antidepressants

27 декабря 2021

8 Questions About Antidepressants

8 Questions About Antidepressants
8 Questions About Antidepressants
Stress
Depression
Hormones
Antidepressants

27 декабря 2021

8 Questions About Antidepressants

## What is the purpose of antidepressants? Antidepressants restore the balance between the chemicals in the brain that includes [norepinephrine](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarybiomarker?id=382), [serotonin](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarybiomarker?id=384), and [dopamine ](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarybiomarker?id=383). These neurotransmitters affect the entire body as well as a person's mood. ## Can I choose my medication for depression? Depression is an illness and not just a temporary worsening of mood, and only a doctor can diagnose it. Only a doctor, taking into account the patient's history, can select the right medication for a patient. The wrong medication or dosage not only will not help but will further exacerbate mental health problems. ## What are the possible side effects? Antidepressant side effects vary from no side effects to very strong side effects, depending on the individual taking the medication. They can cause sleep problems, sexual dysfunction, and affect weight loss and gain. They can cause increased nervousness, nausea, gastrointestinal problems, and tremors. They can provoke even more serious side effects such as low blood pressure, irregular heart rate, and [epileptic](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarydisease?id=192) seizures. That is why the entire period of taking antidepressants should be under strict medical supervision. ## When can I stop taking antidepressants? Medications against depression do not work immediately — they have a cumulative effect, and treatment can last for months. A big mistake is when a person who has been on antidepressants decides that he or she is healthy and stops taking the medication. A good mood and feeling good are the result of the effects of antidepressants. ## Is it possible to take antidepressants once in a while, on an as-needed basis? Treatment with antidepressants has a cumulative effect. The main period of treatment until the symptoms of depression are eliminated can take 2–5 months. The next 6–12 months — the maintenance period — is often when the patient further stabilizes. Antidepressants should not be confused with sedatives, which have a very different effect and purpose. ## What is withdrawal syndrome? It is not a good idea to stop taking antidepressants unless your doctor advises you to, because the symptoms of depression will likely return. In addition, withdrawal syndrome will occur. Symptoms can resemble the flu or an intestinal infection. At the same time, anxiety may increase, and headaches and insomnia may occur. Antidepressants need to be stopped gradually over time, all under the direction of your doctor. ## Can I take antidepressants with nutritional supplements? If you are taking any vitamins or nutritional supplements, tell your doctor so that he or she can choose the right dosage. For example, there is some belief that [Vitamin D, 25](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarybiomarker?id=187) and [Omega-3](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarybiomarker?id=179) can enhance the effectiveness of antidepressants. ## Can I take antidepressants with alcohol? Be careful, as alcohol can increase the effect of antidepressants, as well as worsen the side effects. Mixing alcohol and antidepressants can increase apathy and anxiety, provoke blood pressure spikes, and even cause severe hallucinogenic states.

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